The outcome of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine would resonate far beyond Europe, shaping how autocrats assess the West’s strength and resolve, Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said.
“However this war ends, it has to be agreed with Ukraine and reflect Ukrainian priorities,” Trzaskowski told Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today on Thursday. “Every dictator in the world is watching whether the West will stay united and strong.”
His remarks come as diplomatic activity accelerates, including US-led talks and renewed debate in Europe over reopening communication channels with Moscow, an idea recently floated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Warsaw remains firmly opposed to any peace initiative that could be seen as rewarding Russian aggression or imposing terms on Kyiv.
“The most important thing is that President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy and the voice of the Ukrainian people are heard,” he said. “We cannot come up with ideas that are unacceptable for Ukraine. That would be completely counterproductive.”
Such an approach, he warned, would damage the credibility of both Europe and the US at a time when global security norms are under intense strain.
Europe must be at the table
As Ukraine’s neighbour and one of its strongest backers, Poland has argued that Europe has not yet secured a sufficient role in shaping the war’s endgame, a belief backed by Trzaskowski.
“I don’t think Europeans have enough of a say,” he said. “There will be no solution, no security and no rebuilding of Ukraine without our involvement.” Trzaskowski said.
He also stressed the need for clarity about who is responsible for the ongoing all-out war, now nearing its four-year mark.
“We must not blur who the aggressor is. It was Russia,” he said, adding that Ukraine continues to face daily attacks on civilians in cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Looking beyond the battlefield, he said Europe must remain committed to Ukraine’s reconstruction and its long-term European future.
Poland has dramatically expanded its defence posture since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, becoming one of NATO’s biggest spenders relative to GDP.
“We are investing almost 5% of our GDP in defense,” he said. “We are strengthening our eastern border and taking responsibility ourselves, exactly as (US) President (Donald) Trump has called for.”
Trzaskowski further argued that Polish security is inseparable from Ukraine’s survival.
“The Ukrainians are fighting for our freedom,” he said. “They gave us breathing space to rebuild our security. If this war ends with Putin’s success, it would be the greatest threat to European security.”
Hybrid threats over tanks
While downplaying the likelihood of an imminent Russian invasion of Poland, Trzaskowski warned against complacency.
“If Russia is given time to rebuild its military, it may come back and test our resilience,” he said, pointing to hybrid warfare tactics such as disinformation, sabotage and cyberattacks.
Cities, he added, are increasingly part of the security equation. Warsaw is strengthening its own resilience while learning from Ukrainian experience and aiding, including emergency generators during winter power shortages.
Asked about US-led peace initiatives and Trump’s proposals, the Polish capital’s chief said Warsaw is examining them pragmatically, but insists transatlantic unity remains essential.
“This is not about emotions or personalities,” he said. “It’s about European security. If Europe and the United States are not together, our enemies will open champagne bottles.”
He rejected the idea that Europe must choose between Brussels and Washington.
“Europe needs to take more responsibility and strengthen its capabilities,” he said. “But at the same time, we must keep the Americans involved. They are our closest allies.”
Responding to calls by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi for deeper EU integration, the official struck a pragmatic note.
“I don’t like labels like federation or confederation,” he said. “But there are areas, defence, capital markets, where we need more integration if Europe wants to be a real global player.”
At the same time, he warned against over-centralisation, arguing the EU also needs flexibility and strategic self-sufficiency to navigate an increasingly unstable world.